New Cinderella Trailer

Ready for summer travel? Check out the Go More. Go Better. Contest from Red Roof Inn!
Go More. Go Better. Memory maker Contest
Celebrate the launch of Go More. Go Better and enter for a chance to win some great travel prizes from Red Roof Inn! Running through May 10th, 2015, Red Roof will encourage their guests to capture their memories, their “travel stories” or a vacation in a text, photo, or video format. Guests can enter this contest through RedRoof.com.
Start Date: April 09, 2015 @ 09:00 am (US/Eastern)
End Date: May 10, 2015 @ 11:00 pm (US/Eastern)
Eligibility: Age 18+
Prizes:
First Place – 1 GoPro Camera, 2 Free Nights at any Red Roof Inn and a $100 gas gift card
Second Place – 1 GoPro Camera
Third Place – Free Night at Red Roof Inn
Go More. Go Better. Story Tellers Contest
Running through May, guests will be encouraged to submit their travel stories through gomoregobetter.com, “Add to the Journey” page.
Prize: Red Roof will choose up to 4 guest stories for production.
Go More. Go Better. Instagram Contest
Duration: May 11 – May 31, 2015
Guests will be asked to follow @redroofinn on Instagram and share their original travel photos with #GoMoreGoBetter in the post. At the end of the month, the top 3 photos will be chosen at random for the 1st – 3rd place prize.
Prizes:
First Place – 5 room nights and $250 in gift cards
Second Place – 5 room nights and $100 in gift cards
Third Place – 5 room nights

How many times have you looked back on moments in your life with a sheer sense of dissatisfaction? It’s not uncommon, but if you go through life with so many regrets, after a while, these feelings can add up to a well of negative emotions. And while you may look in the mirror and think to yourself “today is the first day of the rest of my life”, we struggle to keep up this attitude. Turning our life around is one of the most difficult things we can ever do, which is why it’s important to do one thing at a time, rather than trying to change everything all at once. So, with that in mind, here are a few suggestions for you to start off on the path to permanent happiness.
Fixing The Negative Opinions Of Ourselves
We live in an age where, unfortunately, so much is placed on how we look. If we feel that we are below par in any way, this negativity festers in our minds, and we can naturally cultivate low opinions of ourselves. This is how an issue like dysmorphia rears its head. There are two options; you can either fix these issues from the inside out, or the outside in. And so, when we are working to turn our lives around, if we look good we will feel good. We all have a niggling issue on our person, such as crooked teeth, wrinkles, and so on. It can be a quick fix, but if there is something that is bugging you every day of your life when you look in the mirror, a quick fix may be the answer in the short term. Juvederm Voluma fillers can help if you’ve got annoying cracks in your face, and various types of braces or retainers can help if you are annoyed with your teeth. When you are faced with something you feel you cannot change, there are little aesthetic alterations that can be made, but it’s important not to go over the top with these. Unfortunately, if there is something that we feel sticks out like a sore thumb, it breeds negativity and it naturally stops us putting ourselves out there. On the other hand, working through the problems from the inside out can be just as effective. You can do this in many ways, and it can result in a lot of soul-searching, but if you are unable to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy, or speak to a professional so you can get these issues fixed, one of the simplest approaches is to work at altering the opinion of yourself by positive self-talk. This is a practice that some people can find strange, to begin with, because you are verbalizing positive sentiments about just self. But, there are numerous benefits to doing this every day. A lot of people think that it’s silly, but a lot of athletes do it, and it’s something that’s commonplace in certain circles, especially in performance-related arenas. And if you are trying to present a more positive image of yourself to the outside world, that age-old expression of faking it until you make it is something that you should try. By taking 10 minutes every morning to undertake some positive self-talk, you are retraining your brain to think more positively. Believe it or not, and this is a fact, your brain is physically unable to tell the difference between a real thought and an imagined one. When you have got into the habit of this, it’s one of those things in life that you can’t go without.
Creating Those Lifelong Habits
And as the habits begin to ingrain themselves, you will notice the difference when you don’t practice them. This is the most vital component to turning your life around, creating those habits that you can build upon every single day. But to begin with, these habits can feel very difficult. By creating these habits, and getting on the road to turning your life around, the outset is a challenge all in itself. So if you are struggling at the very beginning, remember that it takes, at the very least, 21 days to form a habit. Because our minds and bodies are borne of habit, when we are trying to integrate a new way of thinking, a new eating pattern, or exercising, you will naturally resist these changes. But, the importance of challenging yourself is what forces the human species to develop and grow. Because our mind’s needs challenging, this is how we create new neural pathways, but also, we evolved in a physical sense to run faster, jump higher, and generally work that much harder to escape threats. We are now, in the modern age, very comfortable, and so, we need to work towards those challenges that push us out of our comfort zone. This is the overriding sensation that you need to go for, especially when it comes to turning your life around. Now, not to say that you should put yourself under extreme duress every single day of your life, but by challenging yourself to do something new every single day, you are naturally and healthily stretching out your sphere of comfort, and therefore, your confidence increases alongside it. Everything that is new and difficult we try to avoid, but it’s these challenges that we have to go for. But before that, we need to form healthy and effective habits. This is something that can take some time, but this is where you need to trust your instincts.
Alternatives To “Bettering Yourself”
Bettering yourself is a dangerous term, because this implies that there is something wrong with you. This is far from the case, but finding simple approaches to building on who you are, in comparison to who you want to be, is something that we can all benefit from. Now, not to say that you have to constantly plow through self-help books to make you into some sort of superhuman, but the never-ending quest for answers can be exhausting. When you are working at turning your life around the best method is to think about the type of person that you want to be, and take it one step at a time in the right direction. If we overload ourselves with goals and pressures, we will undoubtedly crumble under this pressure. So, this is why it’s important to gradually step outside of your comfort zone, to make changes little by little, rather than undertaking and emotional spring clean from top to bottom. This is why so many people give up exercise routines, statistics show that the people who join the gym in January give up after 24 weeks, and this could be because of the whole “new year new me” attitude, and so, the excessive pressure they place upon themselves to get fit now, means they physically cannot cope with the strain. We should undertake the same attitude when we are changing ourselves in an emotional sense. We all know that we shouldn’t place too much pressure on ourselves, but when we think about turning our life around, this encapsulates everything. But it’s worth thinking about the tortoise and the hare, or playing the long game, whatever metaphor appeals to you. The changes we make in our lives for the better are the ones that we learn over time, or are things we don’t recognize as seismic changes, because they take so long. For the modern, impatient person that needs everything changed right here, right now, this is not the answer they want to hear, but it is far better for you to make peace with the fact that you are changing yourself properly one little bit at a time, rather than making those promises to yourself that you are going to be a completely different person in six months or a years’ time, because, in all honesty, this is unrealistic. You are who you are, and the fact is that if you want to change yourself completely, you will have to get a new brain! Instead, there are unique aspects of your personality that make you inherently you, and everybody needs to harness their own uniqueness, and this is the key to turning your life around.
Yes, there are some fantastic tools that we can all benefit from, especially when we have those bad habits like negative opinions of ourselves, which we can replace with more positive habits, turning our lives around is not about viewing it as the biggest, most difficult challenge of our lives, although if we can make these seismic changes, this is what gives us validation in our own abilities. But now, we are placing so much pressure on ourselves, that we need to turn our lives around in more subtle, and effective approaches. Remember, we are all works in progress, and this is a far healthier opinion to have, rather than making ourselves into a completely different person that we wouldn’t recognize. While it’s a cliché, to thine own self, be true is one of the best maxims that we can all take inspiration from. Turning your life around is possible, and it’s all about three things, how we view ourselves, the habits we undertake, but also making peace with ourselves to embark on this long journey in our own sweet time.

Remove your makeup before you sleep
No matter how good you think your skincare routine is, if you’re one of those people who go to sleep without removing your makeup then you may want to reconsider. If you do this, your skin isn’t able to breathe, and you’re more likely to wake up in the morning with breakouts and blocked pores. Take a few minutes in the evening to remove the day’s makeup, and you’ll feel a lot better as a result.
Stay hydrated
We can’t emphasize this enough: Stay. Hydrated. If you’re dehydrated, your skin will be dull, you won’t be able to focus on what you’re doing, and you’ll simply feel like you have no energy at all. This doesn’t exactly set you up to have a good day, and it isn’t great for your mind or body. Get a reusable water bottle, and take it out with you wherever you go. You’ll soon find that you’re drinking more water without even thinking about it.
Put yourself first
There are many little ways that you can put yourself first, and this is a vital element of self-care. You can do it by saying ‘no’ when you don’t have the time, energy or inclination to do something, but you can also do it by buying yourself a little gift because, you know, why not? Why treat other people if you can’t extend the same courtesy onto yourself? Check out a site like www.paisleygraceboutique.com and treat yourself to something new!
Get enough sleep
Sometimes, self-care can look like putting your phone on ‘do not disturb’ mode, and getting an early night so that you feel refreshed the next day. A lack of sleep can really have a detrimental impact on your wellbeing, so consider how you can get some extra zzzs in. Having a (semi) fixed routine is vital to your mental and physical health, so try to go to sleep and wake up at a similar time each day if you can.
Have five extra minutes of relaxation
Often, you can feel like you don’t have enough time to get your relaxation in. Perhaps you have children to look after, or you have so much work that you really don’t know what to do with it all. If this is the case for you, then you should think about having five more minutes in the bath or shower, or five more minutes enjoying your cup of coffee. It won’t have too much of an impact on your workload or commitments, but it will on your self-care.

This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
With the colder weather finally here, it leaves most of us wanting to hibernate in the house…which you really don’t want to do because studies show that our bodies are chemically equipped to store fat in the winter…but that doesn’t mean you are doomed to dawn your fat pants all season. Other studies have shown that outdoor exercise can crank up your energy while decreasing tension, frustration, and depression. In fact, the heat and humidity in the summer can drag you down and tire you faster, but cold weather is invigorating…It stimulates your senses and makes you feel alive.
Now that you’re ready to get back out there and breath in the cooler air here are a few fitness tips to get you through that winter workout.
Grab The Right Gear
Choosing the right workout fabrics and smart layering will keep you dry and warm. First, put on a thin base layer made of synthetic fabrics to soak up excess sweat like under armor apparel. If it’s really cold outside, wear an optional middle layer, such as polar fleece, for extra warmth. Add an outer layer (or shell) to protect you from wind, snow and rain. Compression tights are great as they increase circulation in the legs,” which helps you perform better and recover quicker. They also help resist fatigue and aids with muscle coordination too. You can’t forget the proper footwear either. You’ll want to keep your feet warm and dry as well while getting the proper support and comfort you need to keep you going. Do your research and find out the best footwear for you and your area. Like here in Texas I wouldn’t need a pair of running shoes with traction soles that are for ice or snow.
Map It Out
Stable, safe ground should be your priority when planning a winter route, but you also want to try to avoid open roads and paths near water. For early morning or evenings, look for plowed, well-lit streets and sidewalks, so you can spot that dreaded black ice. Tree-lined trails and city blocks with tall buildings can help protect you from biting winds and snow flurries. You can also look for a loop in your neighborhood that you can repeat as many times as you want, that way, if you become tired or slip on ice you will be close to home and can quickly escape the cold & ice. It might also be a good idea to let a few friends and family know your route, just in case something does happen.
Warm Up & Down
Like before any other workout, walk around or jog in place indoors for five minutes or so. When your outside, give your body time to adjust by taking short 30-second breaks every few minutes for the first 10 minutes.
To avoid getting too cool to quickly during your cooldown, keep it brief: Slow your pace for about four to five minutes, then take it inside to do your stretching. Remove your extra layers and keep moving for another five minutes before hitting the shower.
Drink Up
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you don’t sweat and lose your hydration. You don’t see your sweat loss in the winter like you do in the summer, but you can still sweat just as much. Drinking plenty of fluids like the new line of BODYARMOR water & BODYARMOR Lyte. BODYARMOR is committed to providing superior hydration to every athlete. Launched in 2017, BODYARMOR SportWater is a premium water, designed by athletes, for athletes. It has a Performance pH of 8+ and a proprietary Sports Electrolyte formula, plus a wide-mouth bottle for faster, Superior Hydration. Finally, a water that works as hard as you do.
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BODYARMOR can be found at Kroger stores in Dallas, Be sure to GRAB THIS COUPON
Switch it Up
There are going to be some days where you absolutely can’t head out in the early morning due to the conditions, try heading out in the mid-afternoon when it’s the warmest and the roads are plowed…or take your exercises indoors. Try a new workout video or hit the gym you’ll still get your heart pumping which ups those endorphins and keeps you on your schedule.
These tips can help you safely enjoy exercise when the weather turns frosty. But as you exercise in cold weather, continually monitor your body to help prevent cold-weather injuries, such as frostbite. Consider shortening your outdoor workout or skipping it altogether during weather extremes, and know when to head home and warm up.
Signs of Frostbite & Hypothermia
Frostbite and hypothermia are cold-related injuries that may quickly become life-threatening. Be aware of the wind chill, dress appropriately and avoid staying in the cold too long. Drink plenty of warm fluids or warm water but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Frostbite is most common on exposed skin, such as your cheeks, nose and ears, but it can also occur on hands and feet.
What are the symptoms and stages of frostbite?
The stages of frostbite are similar to those of burns. Early warning signs include numbness, loss of feeling or a stinging sensation.
Frostnip or first-degree frostbite is superficial and reversible but may cause significant pain when the extremity rewarms.
Second-degree frostbite is characterized by blisters that form a few hours to a day after injury and signifies deeper tissue damage.
Third-degree frostbite describes skin that has been damaged through all its layers and tissue that turns black and hard as it dies.
Fourth-degree frostbite occurs when bone and tendon freeze.
If you suspect frostbite, get out of the cold immediately and slowly warm the affected area — but don’t rub it since that can damage your skin. If numbness continues, seek emergency care.
Hypothermia is abnormally low body temperature and is defined as a body temperature less than 95 F (35 C). When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Exercising in cold, rainy weather increases the risk of hypothermia, as does being an older adult. The colder the body gets, the more confused the person gets, and decision-making begins to suffer. Instead of coming out of the cold, apathy sets in and the patient may become delirious.
What are the symptoms of hypothermia?
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
Initial hunger and nausea will give way to apathy as the core body temperature drops.
This is followed by confusion, lethargy, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, and coma.
Often the affected person will lie down, fall asleep, and die. In some cases, the patient will paradoxically remove their clothes just before this occurs.
Seek emergency help right away if you suspect hypothermia.
Chances are, if you are careful you should be fine. Always be aware of what your body is telling you, and don’t overdo it. Stay warm, stay safe, stay fit my friends!
Enter To WIN!
One (1) lucky My Sparkling Life reader is going to win a $25 Kroger Gift Card + a Month Supply of BODYARMOR!! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST March 31, 2018
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This post may contain affiliate links which fund the My Sparkling Life blog.
We love to grill, grilling just adds that extra special flavor to what ever your grilling. But even when you grill you tend to have to balance your time between the grill the kitchen which can sometimes end with burnt food. Not good. Today I have a simple Grilled Herb & Wine Chicken Strips with a VeeTee Thai Lime & Herb Rice and trust me, no burnt food and no balancing act between the kitchen and grill. This rice might just be your new staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
3-4 large chicken breasts
1c White Wine
1/4c oilve oil
2 packs McCormick Grill Mates Garlic Herb & Wine Marinade
1 Lime
1 container VeeTee Thai Lime & Herb Rice
Instructions:
Slice your chicken breasts into strips
Mix wine, olive oil, marinade packs & juice from lime in bowl
Place chicken strips into marinade and let sit in fridge for 45 minutes
Wrap grill grate with foil and puncture holes in foil
Place chicken strips onto foil and grill till half way done, then remove foil and finish grilling strips on grill until done.
Place your VeeTee Thai Lime & Herb Rice container into microwave and cook for 2 minutes
Veetee DINE IN Microwaveable Rice superior technology giving consistently great taste & texture to end product. Veetee’s transparent trays communicate freshness, modernity, purity, naturalness and quality & has a 12 month shelf life! My little guys all loved the rice. I fixed Chicken, Golden Vegetable & the Thai Lime & Herb and they loved them all! Even my super picky two-year-old, who actually asked for more! I love that I don’t have to spend time in the kitchen putting together the rice and had more time to focus on the grill and quality family time instead. The best part about the VeeTee, other than the quality taste and fast cook time…it’s available at my local HEB and at a price I can afford!!!
FOLLOW VEETEE ON:
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One lucky My Sparkling Life Reader is going to win a case of delicious VeeTee Rice! This giveaway is open to residents of the US who are 18+ until 11:59 PM EST August 14, 2015.
The Fine Print: Entering this giveaway means that you accept both my rules & disclosure. I will notify winner via e-mail and they will have 48 hours to reply before I am forced to redraw winners. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Each household is only eligible to win this prize via blog reviews and giveaways once. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification. Many will enter, few will win! Please allow 8-12 weeks for delivery of prizing. My Sparkling Life is not responsible for any lost or misdirected packages. Prizing provided and shipped by VeeTee Rice LTD. In the rare occasion that a prize does not arrive (which has happened), please notify me and I will try to contact the sponsor.
Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”